Dahlias are celebrated for their diverse forms and vibrant colors, bringing a lively presence to any garden. Among these, the ‘Orange Symphony Dahlia’ stands out with its striking hue and elegant structure. This variety offers a brilliant splash of color, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add a dramatic and cheerful element to their outdoor spaces.
Understanding Orange Symphony Dahlias
The ‘Orange Symphony Dahlia’ is known for its vivid, bright orange flowers, sometimes described as tangerine or highlighter orange, often with lighter outlines. As blooms open, they can reveal touches of yellow, adding to their dynamic appearance. This variety produces medium-sized, ball-form blooms, measuring 4 to 6 inches across. The plant reaches about 4 to 5 feet in height. ‘Orange Symphony’ is highly prolific, offering a continuous display of flowers from early season, usually August, until the first frost.
Planting Orange Symphony Dahlias
Plant ‘Orange Symphony Dahlia’ tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Select a site receiving a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, with eight hours preferred for optimal growth and abundant blooms. These dahlias flourish in well-draining, loose soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is gravely or very sandy, incorporating compost can improve its texture and nutrient content.
For planting, place the tuber horizontally about 6 inches deep in the prepared soil. Ensure proper spacing, allowing 12 to 18 inches between each tuber. After planting, water carefully; if the soil is already moist, additional water may not be necessary until shoots emerge to prevent tuber rot. If the soil is dry, water the tuber once and then wait for growth to appear.
Ongoing Care for Orange Symphony Dahlias
Once ‘Orange Symphony Dahlia’ plants are established and 8 to 12 inches tall, provide consistent watering. Dahlias require about 1 inch of water per week; deep, thorough watering is more beneficial than frequent shallow sessions. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency, potentially daily. Water the soil directly, avoiding foliage to reduce fungal diseases.
Fertilization supports the vigorous growth and abundant blooming of ‘Orange Symphony Dahlias’. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 ratio, a few times once the plant reaches about a foot tall. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as too much nitrogen promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Regular feeding ensures the plant receives the nutrients necessary for continuous blooming.
Tall varieties like ‘Orange Symphony’ benefit from staking to support their stems and heavy blooms. Insert stakes near young plants and tie stems as they grow. Pinch the plant when it is 10 to 16 inches tall with at least four sets of leaves. This involves removing the uppermost sprout on the main stem, redirecting energy to lateral buds for bushier growth and more flowers.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, is important for continuous blooming. This signals the plant to produce more flowers instead of seeds. Regularly snip wilted blooms off at the first set of leaves to promote new flower development throughout the season. This routine maintenance helps maintain plant health and maximizes flower production.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
‘Orange Symphony Dahlias’ can encounter issues, often signaled by changes in their foliage or bloom production. Yellowing leaves may indicate improper watering or a nutrient deficiency. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes stress and dry leaves. Nutrient imbalances, like a lack of nitrogen or iron, also cause yellowing; green veins may remain if iron is deficient.
Pests such as aphids, slugs, earwigs, and spider mites can affect dahlias. Aphids cluster on new growth, causing yellowing and stunted leaves. Slugs and snails create irregular holes in leaves, active in damp conditions. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather, leading to stippling and discoloration. Control soft-bodied pests with insecticidal soaps or neem oil, and use barriers or traps for slugs and earwigs.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can appear, especially in humid conditions. Powdery mildew presents as white, powdery growth on leaves and can be managed with treatments like a baking soda solution. A lack of blooms results from insufficient sunlight, inadequate watering, or too much nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure dahlias receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sun, consistent deep watering, and a balanced fertilizer to promote flowering.
Winterizing Orange Symphony Dahlias
In colder climates where the ground freezes, ‘Orange Symphony Dahlia’ tubers need to be dug up and stored indoors for winter. The ideal time is after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, but before a deep freeze. Allowing tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost helps their skin toughen for storage.
Before digging, cut plant stems to 4 to 6 inches above ground. Use a garden fork, not a shovel, to gently loosen soil around the tuber clump, starting 8 to 10 inches from the main stem to avoid damage. Carefully lift the clump and shake off excess dirt. Some gardeners prefer to wash the tubers at this stage to better inspect them for disease or damage.
After digging, cure tubers for a few days to two weeks in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight to prevent rot. Once cured, store them in a cool, dark, dry place between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally with 70-80% humidity. Storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings; ensure tubers do not touch to prevent moisture transfer. Periodically check stored tubers for mold, rot, or shriveling.